Mounting device for headrest of vehicle seat
A mounting device for a smart device is adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The mounting device includes a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest, and a second clamp separate from the first clamp and including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest. An adjustment mechanism operably connects the first clamp and the second clamp. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam latch aligned along a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp. The cam latch has a released position allowing for selective adjustment of the lateral distance between the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
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Electronic devices or smart devices are widely used by passengers of vehicles. Such devices provide the benefit of portability, allowing the passengers to bring the device with them, for use in the vehicle, while also allowing the passengers to take the device with them as they exit the vehicle. There have been numerous prior proposals for mounting these smart devices in or from the back of, or between, the front seats of a vehicle so that passengers in the rear seats may listen to, watch, or interact with such devices. For example, it is known to hang a smart device over the top of the front seat or from the front seat headrest or headrest posts by means of straps, brackets or clamps. With these known mounting arrangements, the smart device is either not mounted in a stable position or, if clamped or otherwise fitted to the headrest posts, may impede movement of the headrest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONAccording to one aspect, a mounting device for a smart device is adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The mounting device comprises a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest, and a second clamp separate from the first clamp and including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest. An adjustment mechanism operably connects the first clamp and the second clamp. The adjustment mechanism includes a cam latch aligned along a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp. The cam latch has a released position allowing for selective adjustment of the lateral distance between the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
According to another aspect, a mounting device for a smart device is adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The mounting device comprises a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest, and a second clamp including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest. An adjustment mechanism operably connects the first clamp and the second clamp. The adjustment mechanism includes a connector extended along a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp and a cam latch mounted to the connector. The cam latch has a released position allowing for selective adjustment of the lateral distance between the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp. With the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
According to another aspect, a mounting device for a smart device is adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The mounting device comprises a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest, and a second clamp separate from the first clamp and including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest. An adjustment mechanism operably connects the first clamp and the second clamp. The adjustment mechanism includes a connector extended between the first clamp and the second clamp, an axle threadingly secured to the connector, and a cam latch rotatable about an axis defined by the axle between a released position allowing for selective adjustment of a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp. With the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,
With reference to
According to the present disclosure, the adjustment mechanism 120 includes a connector 150 and a cam latch 152 mounted to the connector. The connector 150 is extended along the lateral distance separating the first clamp 116 from the second clamp 118 and together with the cam latch 152 interconnects the first and second clamps. The cam latch 152, which is also aligned along the lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp, has a released position (shown in hidden lines in
According to the present disclosure, the connector 150 is coupled to the cam latch 152 in a manner whereby rotation of the connector 150 moves the connector toward or away from the cam latch 152. In the depicted aspect, the connector 150 is threadingly secured to the cam latch 152, and with the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector 150 about an axis defined by the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp 116 and the second clamp 118. To allow for this connection to the cam latch 152, the connector 150 is a threaded fastener having a first end portion 156 and a threaded second end portion 158 (see
As indicated previously, the first end portion 156 of the connector 150 is mounted to the first clamp 116. As best depicted in
It should be appreciated that the cam latch 152 is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion to the engaged position moves a camming surface 220 defined by the hub 178 of the cam latch 152 into engagement with an inner surface 224 of the second clamp 118 that defines the through hole 204 (see
With reference to
It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims
1. A mounting device for a smart device, the mounting device adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the mounting device comprising:
- a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest;
- a second clamp separate from the first clamp and including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest; and
- an adjustment mechanism operably connecting the first clamp and the second clamp, the adjustment mechanism including a cam latch aligned along a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp, the cam latch having a released position allowing for selective adjustment of the lateral distance between the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a connector interconnecting the first clamp and the second clamp, the connector secured to the cam latch.
3. The mounting device of claim 2, wherein the connector is threadingly secured to the cam latch, and with the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector about an axis defined by the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
4. The mounting device of claim 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an axle, the connector threadingly secured to the axle, and the cam latch is rotatable about an axis defined by the axle.
5. The mounting device of claim 3, wherein the connector is a threaded fastener having a first end portion mounted to the first clamp and a second end portion extended through a bore formed in the second clamp, the second end portion secured to the cam latch.
6. The mounting device of claim 5, wherein the second clamp defines a through hole dimensioned to receive the cam latch, and the second end portion of the connector supports the cam latch within the through hole, wherein the cam latch is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion to the engaged position moves a camming surface of the cam latch into engagement with an inner surface of the second clamp that defines the through hole.
7. The mounting device of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a washer connected to the cam latch, and the camming surface is shaped to press the washer into direct contact with the inner surface in the engaged position of the cam latch.
8. The mounting device of claim 2, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion toward the engaged position pulls the connector toward the cam latch, and, in turn, pulls the first clamp toward the second clamp.
9. The mounting device of claim 8, wherein the first opening of the first clamp is wedge shaped in top view of the mounting device, wherein movement of the first clamp toward the second clamp presses the first headrest post into a tapered section of the first opening to prevent sliding movement of the first clamp on the first headrest post.
10. The mounting device of claim 9, wherein the second opening of the second clamp is wedge shaped in top view of the mounting device, wherein movement of the first clamp toward the second clamp presses the second headrest post into a tapered section of the second opening to prevent sliding movement of the second clamp on the second headrest post.
11. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein one of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a pair of fingers flanking the connector, and the other of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a pair of openings for receiving the pair of fingers.
12. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein one of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a mounting arm extended therefrom, an end portion of the mounting arm configured for connection to a smart device holder.
13. A mounting device for a smart device, the mounting device adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the mounting device comprising:
- a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest;
- a second clamp including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest; and
- an adjustment mechanism operably connecting the first clamp and the second clamp, the adjustment mechanism including a connector extended along a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp and a cam latch mounted to the connector, the cam latch having a released position allowing for selective adjustment of the lateral distance between the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp, and with the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
14. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion toward the engaged position pulls the connector toward the cam latch, and, in turn, pulls the first clamp toward the second clamp.
15. The mounting device of claim 13, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an axle, the connector threadingly secured to the axle, and the cam latch is rotatable about an axis defined by the axle.
16. The mounting device of claim 15, wherein the connector is a threaded fastener having a first end portion with a head mounted to the first clamp and a second end portion extended through a bore formed in the second clamp, the second end portion threadingly secured to the axle.
17. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the second clamp defines a through hole dimensioned to receive the cam latch, and the second end portion of the connector supports the cam latch within the through hole,
- wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a washer connected to the cam latch, the second end portion of the connector extended through the washer, and
- wherein the cam latch is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion to the engaged position moves a camming surface of the cam latch into engagement with the washer to press the washer into direct contact with an inner surface of the second clamp that defines the through hole.
18. A mounting device for a smart device, the mounting device adapted for removable connection to a headrest of a vehicle seat, the mounting device comprising:
- a first clamp including a first opening adapted for sliding receipt of a first headrest post of the headrest;
- a second clamp separate from the first clamp and including a second opening adapted for sliding receipt of a second headrest post of the headrest; and
- an adjustment mechanism operably connecting the first clamp and the second clamp, the adjustment mechanism including:
- a connector extended between the first clamp and the second clamp,
- an axle threadingly secured to the connector, and
- a cam latch rotatable about an axis defined by the axle between a released position allowing for selective adjustment of a lateral distance separating the first clamp from the second clamp and an engaged position for fixing the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp, wherein with the cam latch in the released position rotation of the connector adjusts the lateral distance between the first clamp and the second clamp.
19. The mounting device of claim 18, wherein the second clamp defines a through hole dimensioned to receive the cam latch, and the connector supports the cam latch within the through hole,
- wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a washer connected to the cam latch, and the cam latch is configured such that rotation of the cam latch from the released portion to the engaged position moves a camming surface of the cam latch into engagement with the washer to press the washer into direct contact with an inner surface of the second clamp that defines the through hole.
20. The mounting device of claim 18, wherein each of the first opening of the first clamp and the second opening of the second clamp is wedge shaped in top view of the mounting device,
- wherein movement of the first clamp toward the second clamp presses the first headrest post into a tapered section of the first opening to prevent sliding movement of the first clamp on the first headrest post and presses the second headrest post into a tapered section of the second opening to prevent sliding movement of the second clamp on the second headrest post.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Mar 11, 2020
Date of Patent: Oct 5, 2021
Assignee: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. (Torrance, CA)
Inventor: Nicholas P. Ziraldo (Powell, OH)
Primary Examiner: Justin M Larson
Application Number: 16/815,680
International Classification: B60R 11/02 (20060101); B60R 7/00 (20060101); B60R 7/04 (20060101); B60R 11/00 (20060101);